Burglars who tried to break into a shop by removing bricks and cement were foiled – by a wooden beam.

The would-be thieves climbed onto an industrial bin before attempting to enter the stockroom of Duncan Stores in Princess Lane, Chickenley, Dewsbury, between 8pm on December 23 and 1.11am the following day.

But the suspects left empty-handed after hitting a wooden beam.

PC Shafeek Yunis, of Dewsbury and Mirfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is an unusual way to attempt to burgle these premises and it must have taken some time for them to remove the bricks.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of this offence.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC 6711 Yunis via 101.

In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.